Shloka 16
The Aśūnyaśayanā Vow (Unempty Bed) and the Aṅgāraka Caturthī Observance
प्रतिमां देवदेवस्य सोदकुंभां निवेदयेत् । एवं यस्तु पुमान्कुर्यादशून्यशयनं हरेः
pratimāṃ devadevasya sodakuṃbhāṃ nivedayet | evaṃ yastu pumānkuryādaśūnyaśayanaṃ hareḥ
พึงถวายรูปเคารพแห่งเทวะผู้เป็นเทวาธิเทพ พร้อมหม้อน้ำบูชา; ผู้ใดกระทำพิธีนี้ ย่อมทำให้แท่นบรรทมของพระหริไม่ว่างเปล่า คือให้พระองค์ได้รับการปรนนิบัติและสักการะ
Unspecified (narratorial/instructional verse within the Adhyaya)
Concept: Bhakti is expressed as attentive service (arcana): offering the Lord’s image and water establishes continual divine presence and care—‘Hari’s bed is not empty.’
Application: Maintain a simple daily pūjā: keep a clean image/altar, offer fresh water, and cultivate consistency—devotion as dependable care.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Type: temple
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee kneels before a small shrine where the ‘Devadeva’ image is placed on a decorated pedestal; beside it stands a full water-pot with mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing life and auspiciousness. The scene suggests that the Lord is treated as a living guest—His resting place prepared, His presence honored through constant service.","primary_figures":["Arcā-mūrti of Viṣṇu (Devadeva)","Vaiṣṇava worshipper"],"setting":"Home shrine or small temple sanctum with a neatly made deity ‘śayana’ arrangement—silk cloth, cushions, conch and discus emblems, offering vessels.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","gold leaf","white jasmine","emerald green","vermillion"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Viṣṇu arcā-mūrti on an ornate pedestal with śaṅkha-cakra motifs; devotee offering a brimming water-pot (kalaśa) with mango leaves and coconut; heavy gold leaf halos, rich crimson backdrop, gem-like ornamentation, symmetrical temple arch framing the sanctum.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: quiet indoor shrine scene with delicate lines; soft glow on the water-pot and the deity image; refined facial features of the devotee; subtle textiles and floral offerings; cool blues and greens with lyrical serenity.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, stylized Viṣṇu with large eyes, prominent crown and ornaments; kalaśa rendered with strong color blocks; temple-wall aesthetic with ornamental borders and warm red-yellow-green dominance.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central Viṣṇu symbolized with śaṅkha-cakra and a small shrine; elaborate lotus borders; attendants offering water; deep indigo field with gold highlights and intricate floral filigree."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"devotional","suggested_raga":"Bhairavi","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["conch shell","temple bells","soft water pouring","incense crackle","silence after mantra cadence"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सोदकुंभां = स + उदकुंभाम् (स्वर-सन्धि; समासभाव); पुमान्कुर्यात् = पुमान् + कुर्यात् (न् + क); कुर्यादशून्य... = कुर्यात् + अशून्य... (त् + अ).
FAQs
It prescribes offering (nivedana) an image (pratimā) of the Lord along with a water-pot (sodakumbha), a common accompaniment in devotional gifting and worship contexts.
Literally “Hari’s bed is not empty.” In devotional idiom, it conveys ensuring the Lord is properly served and honored—symbolically providing what is needed for His worship and hospitality.
It highlights attentive devotion expressed through tangible offerings—service (seva) and generosity (dāna) as a way of honoring Viṣṇu.